Motive Uncertain In Man's Stabbing Death
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) –The motive is still unclear after a man was stabbed to death in Westmoreland County.
State Police have taken the man's son-in-law into custody.
The victim was found inside a vehicle in Donegal, Westmoreland County.
Michael Martin, 40, taken into police custody and charged with homicide in the stabbing death of his father-in-law 67-year-old Earl Weygandt.
Police now say Weygandt was lured to the scene by Martin and that the two men had a history.
A passing motorist saw Weygandt's vehicle and stopped to help, only to find the man slumped over.
According to police, Weygandt, a veteran, was found in the driver's seat of his disabled SUV, which was parked in the 3000-block of Route 31.
Police responded and quickly realized it was not a suicide, but rather a homicide. They say Weygandt was stabbed nine times -- three times in the throat in both jugulars and the esophagus.
However, police say Martin is claiming self-defense and that Weygandt pulled a gun on him.
According to police, Martin called Weygandt Wednesday evening and asked for help, saying his car had broken down in Donegal.
"Mr. Weygandt met up with Mr. Martin," said State Police Tpr. Steve Limani. "They subsequently got in the vehicle together and for some reason pulled over at the TJ's restaurant area."
Police say Martin gave a false alibi and asked others to lie for him too.
The motive is still unclear, but police say they do know the two had a history.
Westmoreland County District Attorney John Peck also says there was clear intent at the scene of the crime.
"Called the victim to that location and then was able to start his vehicle soon thereafter, so this severely undermined his statement that his car had broken down," he said.
Police say they removed evidence from Martin's home, including two vehicles.
A family member also says several years ago, Weygandt was shot four times after someone broke into his secluded cabin. No one was ever arrested.
The family member also says they believe money was the motive in Wednesday's stabbing death.
Neighbors say Weygandt stayed at Martin's home with his stepdaughter, he was also a member of the local VFW.
RELATED LINKS
More Local News
More Police News
